Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens

After 8 long years, Canon have released the Canon EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM Lens - an update to one of the best lenses in the camera range. A lot of hype arouse prior to the announcement and then on date of announcement the buzz deflated. Nevertheless we took one for a spin and here are our thoughts. The physical construction of the lens is basically identical to the Mark II. It feels very good in the hands as the lens is well balanced, curved at the right places and the zoom/focus rings feel great. Telephoto lenses are generally heavy and they've managed to shave off 10 grams of weight. Not enough for you to consider travelling with it but 10g is 10g! The lens is weather sealed and constructed to last with you throughout your photography journey. It's great to know they've kept the solid construction from the Mark II.

Performance

Nothing to complain about here. The performance is identical to the Mark II, however, there may have been a slight autofocus tweak cause it does seem a bit snappier. We couldn't test the ASC because it was raining the two days we had the lens. Overall solid high performing lens, and you'd expect it for the grade of the lens this is.

Image Quality

Again, no complaints here. Like Mark II the Mark III produces amazing photos. They're insanely sharp and truly is one of the best telephoto lenses on the market.

Final Thoughts

Is the new Canon 70-200mm F2.8L Mark III worth upgrading if you're an owner of the Mark II? It is really up to you. For some it may not be a big enough update to justify purchasing the new one, as optically they're basically identical. However for those who don't own a 70-200 F2.8, it is definitely worth it to go for the Mark III. Although they're optically the same, the new coating, slight AF tweak will help you in the experience of using the lens.

In conclusion, if it ain't broke don't fix it. Canon has taken the best elements of the Mark II and put it over to the Mark III with a minor refresh. To say we're not happy with it is a lie because it's a brilliant lens. For some, it may be disappointing after a long wait for an update. We would love for the next iteration of the lens to have an updated image stabilisation system and possibly an entire optical rebuild.

One of the most versatile lenses available, the EF 70-200mm f/2.8L IS III USM from Canon is an L-series telephoto zoom distinguished by its bright design and advanced optics. Ideal for a variety of subjects ranging from portraiture to sports, the fast constant f/2.8 maximum aperture excels in difficult lighting conditions and also offers increased control over depth of field for isolating subjects. The optical layout makes use of one fluorite element and five UD elements to suppress chromatic aberrations and colour fringing in order to realize a high degree of clarity throughout the zoom range. An Air Sphere Coating is also featured and works to reduce flare and ghosting for greater colour fidelity and contrast in all conditions.

Complementing the speed and optics is an Optical Image Stabilizer, which compensates for 3.5 stops of camera shake to better enable working handheld and in low-light situations. A ring-type USM and internal focusing mechanism also afford quick, quiet, and accurate autofocus performance, as well as full-time manual focus override. Additionally, this lens is weather-sealed for use in trying environmental conditions.

Features:

Versatile telephoto zoom is designed for full-frame Canon EF-mount DSLRs, however can also be used with APS-C models where it provides a 112-320mm equivalent focal length range.

Bright constant f/2.8 maximum aperture affords consistent performance throughout the zoom range and offers notable control over depth of field for working with selective focus techniques.

One fluorite element and five ultra-low dispersion glass elements noticeably reduce colour fringing and chromatic aberrations for high clarity and colour fidelity.

An Air Sphere Coating (ASC) has been applied to lens elements to reduce backlit flaring and ghosting for maintained light transmission and high contrast in strong lighting conditions.

An Optical Image Stabilizer helps to minimize the appearance of camera shake by up to 3.5 shutter speed stops to better enable working in low-light conditions and with slower shutter speeds. In addition to the single-shot standard IS mode, a second mode is also available that it optimized for panning.

A ring-type Ultrasonic Motor (USM), along with an internal focusing system, is employed to deliver fast, precise, and quiet autofocus performance as well as full-time manual focus override.

Focus Limiter switch lets you constrain the focusing to two different ranges to suit different applications: 3.9'-infinity or 8.2'-infinity.

The rounded nine-blade diaphragm contributes to a pleasing out of focus quality that benefits the use of shallow depth of field and selective focus techniques.

A weather-resistant design protects the lens from dust and moisture to enable its use in inclement conditions. Additionally, fluorine coatings have also been applied to the front and rear lens elements for further protection against fingerprints and smudging.

The removable rotating tripod collar is included and benefits working with the lens atop a tripod or monopod.

Compatible with optional EF 1.4X and EF 2X teleconverters.